Personal floatation device

ABSTRACT

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide a back floatation panel comprising an inner panel and an outer panel. The inner panel and the outer panel would be joined to each other in such a way as to allow “bellowed” expansion of a space, or a “sleeve,” in between the inner and outer panels. The bellowed expansion space between the inner and outer panels would be adapted for accommodating, for example, a hydration bladder and/or an insert of high density polyethylene (“HDPE”) plastic for protecting the wearer&#39;s back. The inner and outer panels would be joined in such a way as to provide a pathway through which a hydration tube can be inserted. Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide differentially cut fabric panels for covering buoyancy panels. An outer fabric panel, comprising an outer panel surface area, would be used to cover an outer surface of a buoyancy panel. An inner fabric panel, comprising an inner panel surface area, would be used to cover an inner surface of the buoyancy panel. In various exemplary embodiments, the outer panel surface area would be greater than inner panel surface area. That is, the outer panel would comprise a greater number of square inches of fabric than will the inner panel. Various embodiments of the present invention would also provide slit buoyancy panels to allow the buoyancy panels to contour over three-dimensional shapes. Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide a personal floatation device with a belt pivotally connected to a back panel of the personal floatation device. Various embodiments of the present invention would provide front floatation panels for a personal floatation device comprising an upper buoyancy panel, a lower buoyancy panel, and a baffle system separating the upper buoyancy panel from the lower buoyancy panel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/836,477, attorney docket number PPAT0002/MRK, titled “PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE,” filed on Aug. 9, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein in full by reference as if stated in full herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention is floatation devices, and more specifically, personal floatation devices, also referred to as life vests or life jackets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide a back floatation panel comprising an inner panel and an outer panel. The inner panel and the outer panel would be joined to each other in such a way as to allow “bellowed” expansion of a space, a “sleeve,” in between the inner and outer panels. The bellowed expansion space between the inner and outer panels would be adapted for accommodating, for example, a hydration bladder and/or an insert of high density polyethylene (“HDPE”) plastic for protecting the wearer's back. The inner and outer panels would be joined in such a way as to provide a pathway through which a hydration tube can be inserted.

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide differentially cut fabric panels for covering buoyancy panels. An outer fabric panel, comprising an outer panel surface area, would be used to cover an outer surface of a buoyancy panel. An inner fabric panel, comprising an inner panel surface area, would be used to cover an inner surface of the buoyancy panel. In various exemplary embodiments, the outer panel surface area would be greater than the inner panel surface area. That is, the outer panel will comprise a greater number of square inches of fabric than will the inner panel.

It will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that, in the context of a Personal Floatation Device (“PFD”), that discussion of an “inner” surface of a buoyancy panel would refer to the surface of the buoyancy panel closest to, and facing, a wearer's body when the PFD is worn. An “inner” fabric panel will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art to refer to a panel of fabric that is used to cover the “inner” surface of a buoyancy panel. An “inner” surface of a fabric panel will be understood by someone of ordinary skill in the art as referring to the surface of the fabric panel that is closest to, and facing, the material which is being covered.

An “outer” surface of a buoyancy panel will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art to refer to the surface of the buoyancy panel opposite the inner surface. An “outer” fabric panel will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art to refer to a panel of fabric that is used to cover the “outer” surface of a buoyancy panel. An “outer” surface of a fabric panel will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art as referring to a surface of the fabric panel that is opposite the inner surface of the fabric panel.

In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, shaped, or “contoured,” fabric pieces will be used to cover the sides of the buoyant panel. The shaped, or “contoured,” side fabric pieces will be used to join the inner and outer fabric panels together. Joining a larger surface area outer fabric panel to a smaller surface area inner fabric panel using shaped, or “contoured,” side pieces will create a three-dimensional, convex curvature of the buoyancy panel. The resulting three-dimensionally curved, fabric-covered buoyancy panel will comprise a convex outer buoyancy panel surface and a concave inner buoyancy panel surface.

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide a pivotally connected waist belt. Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide a personal floatation device with a belt pivotally connected to a back panel of the personal floatation device. The exemplary pivotally connected waist belt would comprise a left portion and a right portion. Each of the left portion and the right portion of the pivotally connected waist belt would comprise a pivot connection end and a fastening end. A pivot connection end of the left portion of the pivotally connected waist belt would be pivotally connected to a left portion of the main back panel of the PFD. A pivot connection end of the right portion of the pivotally connected waist belt would be pivotally connected to a right portion of the main back panel of the PFD. A fastening end of the left portion of the pivotally connected waist belt would provide a first fastening means, such as for example, a male or female fastener component. A fastening end of the right portion of the pivotally connected waist belt would provide a second fastening means, such as, for example, a compatible, complementary, counter-part female or male fastener component to the first fastening means.

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide left and right front floatation panels. The fastening ends of the right and left portions of the exemplary pivotally connected waist belt would be adapted for fastening around a wearer's body, such as around a waist, independent of the left and right front floatation panels of the PFD. That is, fastening the exemplary pivotally connected belt would anchor the main back panel of the PFD to a wearer's body, independent of straps used to anchor the front floatation panels, and/or the entire PFD, to the wearer's body. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, portions of the pivot belt would pass through or otherwise be connected to the front panels of the PFD; adjustable shoulder straps and adjustable side straps would allow the front panels to be positionally adjusted, and also, therefore, allow the portions of the pivot belt to pivotally adjust, to the location of the waist of the wearer.

Various exemplary embodiments would provide right and left front floatation panels that would comprise upper and lower front buoyancy chambers. The upper and lower front buoyancy chambers will be separated from each other by a baffle system.

The right and left upper front buoyancy chambers would comprise sliced or “slit,” buoyancy panels. The slices in the sliced buoyancy panels would pierce the buoyancy panel from the outer surface through the inner surface of the buoyancy panel. Various exemplary sliced upper buoyancy panels would be housed in between differentially cut inner and outer fabric panels. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, the outer fabric panel covering the outer surface of an upper front buoyancy panel will comprise a larger surface area than the surface area of an inner fabric panel covering the inner surface of the upper front buoyancy panel. The outer fabric panel covering the outer surface of an upper front buoyancy panel will be joined to the inner fabric panel covering the inner surface of the upper front buoyancy panel by means of shaped, or “contoured,” fabric pieces. The shaped, or “contoured,” fabric pieces will cover the sides of the upper front buoyancy panels. In various exemplary embodiments, the inner fabric panel would comprise “princess” seams, providing a contoured inner fabric panel. In various exemplary embodiments, the outer fabric panel for an upper chamber would comprise a stretch material.

Joining the larger surface area outer fabric panel to the smaller surface area inner fabric panel using shaped, or “contoured,” side pieces will create a three-dimensional, convex curvature of the respective upper front buoyancy panel. The resulting three-dimensionally curved fabric-covered upper front buoyancy panel will comprise a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface.

In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the baffle system between the upper chamber and the lower chamber of the respective front floatation panels would be provided to allow buoyancy material in each chamber to extend, or expand, to their respective full thickness at a juncture point with the baffle system.

In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, buoyancy panels may comprise tapered, or “skived,” edges.

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide buoyant pads for adjustable shoulder straps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the present invention are more fully set forth in the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is presented with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary PFD in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B depicts a perspective detailed view of an exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad and an exemplary left adjustable shoulder strap in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C depicts a side perspective view of an exemplary PFD on a wearer in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary main back panel 2 and an exemplary right front panel 3 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a side perspective view of a partially assembled exemplary main back panel in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective back view of the outer buoyancy panel of the exemplary main back panel and of exemplary left and right portions of an exemplary pivot belt in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a plan view of exemplary right tapered belt portion and exemplary left tapered belt portion of an exemplary pivot belt in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A depicts a side perspective view of a fully assembled exemplary main back panel in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B depicts a perspective detailed view of an exemplary pivoting connection of an exemplary right tapered belt portion to the inner panel of the main back panel in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a plan view of the undersides (inner surfaces) of exemplary right and left tapered waist belt portions in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary main back panel with the left and right waist belt portions, respectively, fastened via insertion and receiving buckle means, respectively, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts a front plan view of exemplary front left panel in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary panel of slit buoyant material in an exemplary upper chamber of exemplary front left panel in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 depicts a plan view of the inner layer of fabric of left and right front panels and the main back panel in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 12-14 depict perspective views of exemplary inner and outer fabric panels joined by an exemplary contoured fabric piece to cover the exemplary inner panel 30 of the exemplary main back panel in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary slit PFD buoyancy panel in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention:

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary slit PFD buoyancy foam panel in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention conformed over the bottom of a cereal bowl (not shown);

FIG. 17 is a side plan view of an exemplary panel of buoyant material with an exemplary tapered edge in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 18-20 depict plan views of a partially assembled exemplary right front panel in various stages of assembly in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 depicts a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y depicted in FIG. 20 of detail C of FIG. 20 of an exemplary right front panel in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 22 depicts a perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment in which a pivot belt is pivotally connected to the back panel of the personal floatation device and in which portions of the pivot belt are connected to the front panels of the personal floatation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A front perspective view of an exemplary PFD 1 is depicted in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary main back panel 2 and an exemplary right front panel 3 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The exemplary PFD 1 depicted in FIG. 1A comprises a main back panel 2, a right front panel 3 and a left front panel 4. A zippered closure 5 is provided for front closure of the right front panel 3 with the left front panel 4. An adjustable right shoulder strap 6 connects a right back shoulder portion 7 of the main back panel 2 to a right front shoulder portion 8 of the right front panel 3. An adjustable left shoulder strap 9 connects a left back shoulder portion 10 of the main back panel 2 to a left front shoulder portion 11 of the left front panel 4. An adjustable right side strap 12 connects a right back side portion (FIG. 2, element 13) of the main back panel 2 to a right front side portion 14 of the right front panel 3. An adjustable left side strap 15 connects a left back side portion (not shown) of the main back panel 2 to a left front side portion 17 of the left front panel 4.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 1A, one piece of the adjustable right shoulder strap 6 is sewn at the top of the right front shoulder portion 8 of the right front panel 3. A second piece of the adjustable right shoulder strap 6 is sewn to the right back shoulder portion 7 of the main back panel 2.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 1A, exemplary left and right waist belt portions, 60 and 50 respectively, are provided that, as will be explained further below, are pivotally connected to the main back panel 2.

1. Buoyant Pads for Adjustable Shoulder Straps

A layer of buoyant material is encased in a fabric envelope to form a buoyant shoulder strap pad, e.g., 18 (right buoyant shoulder strap pad) and 19 (left buoyant shoulder strap pad). Each piece of each adjustable shoulder strap (6 (right) and 9 (left)) passes through a loop (20 and 22 for the right shoulder strap pad 18; 21 and 23 of the left shoulder strap pad 19). The loose ends of each of the two pieces pass through strap receiving features of a right shoulder adjustable buckle 24 (left shoulder adjustable buckle 25).

FIG. 1B depicts a detailed perspective view of exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad 19 and exemplary left adjustable shoulder strap 9. Exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad 19 comprises a rear loop 21, a front loop 23, a rear end 19 a, and a front end 19 b. Each end of rear loop 21 is fastened to exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad 19, such as by stitching 21 a and 21 d respectively. Each end of front loop 23 is fasted to exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad 19, such as by stitching 23 a and 23 b respectively.

As depicted in FIG. 1B, exemplary left adjustable shoulder strap 9 comprises an adjustable piece 9 a and a stationary piece 9 b.

Stationary piece 9 b of exemplary left adjustable shoulder strap 9 comprises a first end 9 b-1 that has been fastened, such as by sewn stitches 9 d, to left back shoulder portion 10 of main back panel 2. In the exemplary embodiment, rear end 19 a of exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad 19 is fastened, such as by sewn stitches 9 d to left back shoulder portion 10 of main back panel 2.

Stationary piece 9 b of exemplary left adjustable shoulder strap 9 further comprises a second end 9 b-2 that has been threaded through rear loop 21 and then through a strap adjustment feature, such as, for example, left shoulder adjustable buckle 25.

In the exemplary embodiment, exemplary left shoulder adjustable buckle 25 comprises a “Ladder Loc.” Exemplary left shoulder adjustable buckle 25 comprises a rim 25 c, a rear rung 25 a and a front rung 25 b.

Second end 9 b-2 of stationary piece 9 b is threaded over rear rung 25 a of left shoulder adjustable buckle 25, is turned under rear rung 25 a, is then passed back through rear loop 21, and is then fastened, such as by sewn stitches 9 e, to first end 9 b-1. After second end 9 b-2 has been fastened to first end 9 b-1, open edges 21-1 and 21-2 of rear loop 21 are fastened, such as by sewn stitches 21 b and 21 c, to exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad 19.

Adjustable piece 9 a of exemplary left adjustable shoulder strap 9 comprises a fastened end 9 a-2 that is fastened, such as by sewing 9 c to left front shoulder portion 11. Adjustable piece 9 a of exemplary left adjustable shoulder strap 9 further comprises an adjustable end 9 a-1. Adjustable end 9 a-1 is passed through front loop 23, is passed under front rung 25 b of exemplary left shoulder adjustable buckle 25, is looped over the top of front rung 25 b, and is passed under rim 25 c. Open edges 23-1 and 23-2 of front loop 23 remain open so that adjustable end 9 a-1 can be pulled forward to shorten adjustable strap 9, or pulled backward through exemplary left shoulder adjustable buckle 25 to lengthen adjustable strap 9.

It will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that fastening open edges 21-1 and 21-2 of rear loop 21, such as by sewn stitches 21 b and 21 c, to exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad 19, stationarily fixes the location of exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad 19 with respect to exemplary left adjustable shoulder strap 9. Further, because second end 9 b-2 of stationary piece 9 b is fastened, such as by sewn stitches 9 e, to first end 9 b-1, then fastening open edges 21-1 and 21-2 of rear loop 21, such as by sewn stitches 21 b and 21 c, to exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad 19, stationarily fixes the location of exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad 19 with respect to exemplary main back panel 2.

Yet further, as will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art, even though the location of exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad 19 is stationarily fixed both with respect to exemplary left adjustable shoulder strap 9 and exemplary main back panel 2, adjustable end 9 a-1 of adjustable piece 9 a of exemplary left adjustable shoulder strap 9 remains adjustable in length.

Still further, the above-described stationary fixing of exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad 19 with respect to exemplary left adjustable shoulder strap 9 (and with respect to exemplary main back panel 2), guards against interference of exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad 19 with the adjustability of adjustable end 9 a-1 of adjustable piece 9 a of exemplary left adjustable shoulder strap 9.

Further yet, the above-described stationary fixing of exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad 19 with respect to exemplary left adjustable shoulder strap 9 (and with respect to exemplary main back panel 2), guards against rotation of the exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad 19 with respect to exemplary left adjustable shoulder strap 9 and further guards against a tendency to cause exemplary left adjustable shoulder strap 9 to roll or twist.

It will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that exemplary right adjustable shoulder strap 6 and exemplary right buoyant shoulder strap pad 18 are assembled in a manner similar to that described above regarding exemplary left adjustable shoulder strap 9 and exemplary left buoyant shoulder strap pad 19.

2. Back Floatation Panel Comprising an Inner Panel and an Outer Panel

FIG. 3 depicts a side perspective view of a partially assembled exemplary main back panel 2. As depicted in FIG. 3, the partially assembled exemplary main back panel 2 comprises two separate exemplary buoyancy panels 30 and 31, each of which comprises a fabric envelope that encases buoyant material. An exemplary inner buoyancy panel 30 (also sometimes referred to herein as “inner panel 30”) is provided which, when the exemplary PFD is worn, is closest to the wearer's body. An exemplary outer buoyancy panel 31 (also sometimes referred to herein as “outer panel 31”) is provided which is smaller and thinner than exemplary inner buoyancy panel 30.

In the exemplary PFD, small side portions, e.g., 32 (and an opposing side small side portion 32 not shown in FIG. 3, but depicted in FIG. 4) and small top portions 33 (and an opposing small top portion 33 not shown in FIG. 3, but shown in FIG. 4), of the outer panel 31 are fastened (such as by sewing or other fastening means) to exemplary inner panel 30 forming a space 34 (or “sleeve” 34), between the exemplary inner and outer panels, 30 and 31 respectively. Bottom adjustable straps 35 connect a bottom portion 39 of the outer panel 31 to a bottom portion 82 of the inner panel 30.

In a fully assembled exemplary main back panel 2 depicted in FIG. 6A, an expansible and collapsible portion of exemplary material 40, such as, for example, mesh fabric, attaches, on each side of the outer panel 31, an upper side portion 41 of the outer panel 31 to an upper side portion 42 of the inner panel 30. Exemplary material 40 is both expandable and collapsible. Because exemplary material 40 is both expandable and collapsible, outer panel 31 can “bellow” away from inner panel 30, expanding space 34 (or “sleeve” 34). Alternatively, exemplary material 40 can collapse so that outer panel 31 can rest directly on inner panel 30.

The exemplary expandable sleeve 34 between inner panel 30 and outer panel 31 can be useful, for example, to provide greater freedom of movement of a wearer in that the outer panel 31 can “float” over the inner panel 30 as the inner panel 30 moves closely with the movement of the wearer's back.

Further, expandable space 34 between inner panel 30 and outer panel 31 can be used to accommodate a hydration bladder and/or an insert of high density polyethylene (“HDPE”). Inserting a sheet of HDPE would be useful to help protect a wearer's back from impact on rocks or other hard objects, such as might be encountered, for example, during white water sports.

Yet further, in various exemplary embodiments, space 34 between the inner panel 30 and outer panel 31 is used to accommodate a pivot point attachment of a waist belt 50 described further below.

3. Differentially Cut Fabric Panels Joined With Contoured Fabric Pieces

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide differentially cut fabric panels for covering buoyancy panels. An outer fabric panel, comprising an outer panel surface area, would be used to cover an outer surface of a buoyancy panel. An inner fabric panel, comprising an inner panel surface area, would be used to cover an inner surface of the buoyancy panel. In various exemplary embodiments, the outer panel surface area would be greater than inner panel surface area. That is, the outer panel will comprise a greater number of square inches of fabric than will the inner panel.

For example, with reference to FIGS. 12-14, in various exemplary embodiments, the fabric of the inner panel 30 (an exemplary assembled inner panel 30 is depicted, for example, in FIG. 14) is differentially cut—that is, the surface area of the inner fabric panel 37 (FIGS. 12-14, FIGS. 3 and 6A) of the inner panel 30 (FIG. 14) is smaller in surface area than the surface area of the outer fabric panel 36 (FIGS. 12-14, FIGS. 3 and 6A) of the inner panel 30 (FIG. 14). This differential cutting of the inner fabric panel 37 as compared to the outer fabric panel 36 (FIGS. 12-14, FIGS. 3 and 6A) facilitates curvature and shaping of thick buoyant material. It will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that curving and shaping thick buoyant material (not shown) encased within the assembled inner panel 30 (that is depicted, for example, in FIG. 14) can be useful for conforming a floatation panel to a wearer's body. Curving and shaping inner panel 30 (as depicted, for example, in FIG. 14) may be useful in conforming the shape of inner panel 30 (FIG. 14) to the shape of a wearer's back.

In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, shaped, or “contoured,” fabric pieces will be used to cover the sides of the buoyant panel that is being curved or shaped. The shaped, or “contoured,” side fabric pieces will be used to join the inner and outer fabric panels together. It will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that joining a larger surface area outer fabric panel to a smaller surface area inner fabric panel using shaped, or “contoured,” side pieces will create a three-dimensional, convex curvature of the buoyancy panel. The resulting three-dimensionally curved fabric-covered buoyancy panel will comprise a convex outer buoyancy panel surface and a concave inner buoyancy panel surface.

For example, with reference to FIGS. 12-14, in various exemplary embodiments, the larger-surface-area outer fabric panel 36 (see also element 36 in FIGS. 3 and 6A) is connected to the smaller-surface-area inner fabric panel 37 (see also element 37 in FIGS. 3 and 6A) using a third “shaped,” or contoured, fabric piece 38 (see also element 38 in FIGS. 3 and 6A). As depicted in FIG. 14, once the exemplary inner panel 30 is assembled, using contoured fabric piece 38 (see also element 38 in FIGS. 3 and 6A) to join larger-surface-area outer fabric panel 36 (see also element 36 in FIGS. 3 and 6A) to smaller-surface-area inner fabric panel 37 (see also element 37 in FIGS. 3 and 6A), the resulting inner panel 30 has a convex outer side 80 and a concave inner side 81.

4. Pivot Waist Belt

With reference to FIG. 4, exemplary left and right waist belt portions, 60 and 50 respectively, are provided. Description of exemplary right waist belt portion 50 will be understood to apply similarly to exemplary left waist belt portion 60, and vice versa, except that the exemplary buckle fastening portion of exemplary left waist belt portion 60 will comprise either a buckle receiving means or a buckle insertion means; whereas the exemplary buckle fastening portion of exemplary right waist belt portion 50 will comprise a buckle insertion means to complement the buckle receiving means of left waist belt portion 60, or vice versa, will comprise a buckle receiving means to complement the buckle insertion means of left waist belt portion 60, as the case may be. It will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that alternative belt fastening means, whether now known or in the future discovered, could be used on exemplary left and right waist belt portions, 60 and 50 respectively, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Exemplary right waist belt portion 50 comprises an exemplary right tapered belt portion 58. Exemplary left waist belt portion 60 comprises an exemplary left tapered belt portion 68. Exemplary right tapered belt portion 58 and exemplary left tapered belt portion 68 each comprise a fabric envelope that encases buoyant material. In the exemplary embodiment, the fabric envelopes of exemplary right tapered belt portion 58 and exemplary left tapered belt portion 68 also encase a shaped sheet of plastic that, among other things, helps maintain the shape of the belt. Exemplary right tapered belt portion 58 comprises an upper surface 87 (see FIGS. 4, 5, and 8) and an underside 85 (see FIGS. 6A, 7, and 8). Exemplary left tapered belt portion 68 comprises an upper surface 88 (see FIGS. 4, 5, and 8) and an underside 86 (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

With reference to FIG. 5, exemplary right tapered belt portion 58 comprises a right free end 59 and a right attachable end 83. Exemplary left tapered belt portion 68 comprises a left free end 69 and a left attachable end 84.

Returning with reference to FIG. 4, a right adjustable strap 55 is fastened, such as by sewing, in the middle of the upper surface 87 of exemplary right tapered belt portion 58; a right buckle-means-engaging end 54 of right adjustable strap 55 extends beyond the right free end 59 of exemplary right tapered belt portion 58. In the exemplary embodiment, the right buckle-means-engaging end 54 of right adjustable strap 55 is threaded through a buckle insertion means 56.

A left adjustable strap 65 is fastened, such as by sewing, in the middle of the upper surface 88 of exemplary left tapered belt portion 68; a left buckle-means-engaging end 64 of left adjustable strap 65 extends beyond the left free end 69 of exemplary left tapered belt portion 68. In the exemplary embodiment, the left buckle-means-engaging end 64 of left adjustable strap 65 is threaded through a buckle receiving means 66.

With reference to FIG. 6A, right attachable end 83 of exemplary right waist belt portion 50 is connected to the outer fabric panel 36 of the inner panel 30 of the main back panel 2 by means of an exemplary pivoting connection 70. It will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that left attachable end 84 (shown in FIG. 5) of left tapered belt portion 68 (shown in FIG. 5) of exemplary left waist belt portion 60 (shown in FIG. 4) is similarly connected (as depicted in FIG. 6A for right waist belt portion 50) to the outer fabric panel 36 of the inner panel 30 of the main back panel 2 by means of an exemplary pivoting connection 70′ (depicted in FIG. 6B).

Because of the aforementioned similarity of connection of left attachable end 84, the connection of left attachable end 84 by means of exemplary pivoting connection 70′ will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art to be done as described further below, as similarly depicted in FIG. 6A for right attachable end 83 by means of exemplary pivoting connection 70, and as depicted in enlargement in FIG. 6B.

With reference to FIG. 6A, exemplary pivoting connection 70 comprises a first fabric tab 51 attached to the underside 85 of exemplary right tapered belt portion 58 (of exemplary right waist belt portion 50), a second fabric tab 52 attached to the outer fabric panel 36 of the inner panel 30 of the main back panel 2, and a metal ring 53 to which both first fabric tab 51 and second fabric tab 52 are pivotally connected.

An enlarged view taken along line A-A in FIG. 6A is depicted in FIG. 6B. It will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that because of the aforementioned similarity of connection of left attachable end 84 by means of exemplary pivoting connection means 70′ and the connection of right attachable end 83 by means of exemplary pivoting connection 70, FIG. 6B is labeled to depict components of both exemplary pivoting connection 70 and exemplary pivoting connection 70′.

As depicted in FIG. 6B, exemplary pivoting connection 70′ similarly comprises a first fabric tab 51′ attached to the underside 86 of exemplary left tapered belt portion 68 (of exemplary left waist belt portion 60 (depicted in FIG. 4)), a second fabric tab 52′ attached to the outer fabric panel 36 of the inner panel 30 (see element 30 in, e.g., FIG. 3) of the main back panel 2 (see element 2 in, e.g., FIG. 3), and a metal ring 53′ to which both first fabric tab 51′ and second fabric tab 52′ are pivotally connected.

With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a first end 52-1 of second fabric tab 52 is fastened, such as by sewing, to the outer fabric panel 36 of the inner panel 30 of the main back panel 2. A second end 52-2 of second fabric tab 52 is passed over a second portion of the metal ring 53, and is fastened, such as by sewing, to some portion of second fabric tab 52, forming loop 52-3.

With reference to FIG. 6B, a first end 52-1′ of second fabric tab 52′ is fastened, such as by sewing, to the outer fabric panel 36 of the inner panel 30 of the main back panel 2. A second end 52-2′ of second fabric tab 52′ is passed over a second portion of the metal ring 53′, and is fastened, such as by sewing, to some portion of second fabric tab 52′, forming loop 52-3′.

With reference to exemplary right tapered belt portion 58 depicted in FIG. 7 (of exemplary right waist belt portion 50 (not depicted in FIG. 7)), a first end 51-1 of first fabric tab 51 is fastened, such as by sewing, to the underside (inner surface) 85 of exemplary right tapered belt portion 58 (of exemplary right waist belt portion 50 (not depicted in FIG. 7)). As best depicted in enlargement in FIG. 6B, second end 51-2 of first fabric tab 51 is passed through metal ring 53; second end 51-2 is then fastened, such as by sewing 51-5, to the body 51-4 of first fabric tab 51, forming a loop 51-3 around a portion of metal ring 53. As depicted in enlargement in FIG. 6B, loop 51-3 is adapted for sliding in direction along directional line B; loop 51-3 is also adapted for sliding in the opposite direction along directional line C. Consequently, as will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art, the slidable loop 51-3 provides a pivoting of exemplary right tapered belt portion 58, and therefore, of exemplary right waist belt portion 50 (as depicted in, e.g., FIG. 4), in either a direction as depicted in FIG. 4 along directional line D or in a direction depicted in FIG. 4 along directional line E (See also, FIG. 8).

With reference to exemplary left tapered belt portion 68 (of exemplary left waist belt portion 60 as depicted in, e.g. FIG. 4), as best depicted in FIG. 7, a first end 51-1′ of first fabric tab 51′ is fastened, such as by sewing, to the underside (inner surface) 86 of exemplary left tapered belt portion 68. As best depicted in enlargement in FIG. 6B, second end 51-2′ of first fabric tab 51′ is passed through metal ring 53′; second end 51-2′ is then fastened, such as by sewing 51-5′, to the body 51-4′ of first fabric tab 51′, forming a loop 51-3′ around a portion of metal ring 53′. As depicted in enlargement in FIG. 6B, loop 51-3′ is adapted for sliding in a direction along directional line B; loop 51-3′ is also adapted for sliding in the opposite direction along directional line C. Consequently, as will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art, the slidable loop 51-3′ provides a pivoting of exemplary left tapered belt portion 68, and therefore, of exemplary left waist belt portion 60 (as depicted in, e.g., FIG. 4), in either a direction as depicted in FIG. 4 along directional line F or in a direction depicted in FIG. 4 along directional line G (see also FIG. 8).

In the exemplary embodiment, metal rings 53 and 53′ are “D” rings. As depicted in FIG. 6B, D-rings 53 and 53′ comprise a straight portion 53-2 and 53-2′ respectively, and a round portion 53-1 and 53-1′ respectively. As depicted in FIG. 6B, loops 51-3 and 51-3′ are provided over round portions 53-1 and 53-1′ respectively. As depicted in FIG. 6B, second fabric tabs 52 and 52′ comprise loops 52-3 and 52-3′ respectively. Loops 52-3 and 52-3′ are provided over straight portions 53-2 and 53-2′. As will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art, while loops 51-3 and 51-3′ are slidable around the round portions 53-1 and 53-1′ of metal rings 53 and 53′ respectively, loops 52-3 and 52-3′, although moveable about metal rings 53 and 53′ respectively, will remain relatively stationary about straight portions 53-2 and 53-2′ respectively.

FIG. 8 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary main back panel 2 with the left and right waist belt portions, 60 and 50 respectively, fastened via insertion and receiving buckle means, 56 and 66 respectively. As will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art, when left and right waist belt portions, 60 and 50 respectively, are fastened together via insertion and receiving buckle means, 56 and 66 respectively, the movability of exemplary right and left waist belt portions 50 and 60 respectively in either the direction along directional lines D and F respectively, or in the direction along directional lines E and G respectively, facilitates cantilevered pivoting for adjustable attachment around a wearer's waist. Further, it will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that such cantilevered pivoting facilitates adjustment to the taper (cant) of a wearer's waist area.

Further, it will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that when the buckle means (elements 56 and 66) is properly adjusted, the fastening of the buckle means (56 and 66) securely attaches the main back panel 2 to the waist of the wearer. The proper adjustment and buckling of the left and right waist belt portions, 60 and 50 respectively, around the waist of a wearer, especially when combined with proper adjustment of adjustable right side strap 12 and adjustable left side strap 15 (see element 15 in FIG. 1A), greatly reduces vest “ride up.”

A properly adjusted PFD featuring an exemplary embodiment of the exemplary pivot belt (comprising exemplary left and right waist belt portions, 60 and 50 respectively), would tend to keep the main back buoyancy panel 2 of the PFD in an optimal position for keeping a wearer's head out of the water. That is because the main back buoyancy panel 2 would be kept lower on the body, as compared to riding up on the body, because the pivot belt tends to hold the main back buoyancy panel 2 down on the body. FIG. 1C depicts a side perspective view of an exemplary PFD on a wearer's body 199. As depicted in FIG. 1C, left waist belt portion 60 of the pivot belt is pivoted, or tilted, down from the main back panel to adjust around the wearer's waist 198. Left front panel 4 is attached to main back panel 2 by adjustable side belt 15. Because the main back panel 2 is secured to the wearer's waist 198 with the pivot belt, then left front panel 4 is also kept from riding up on the wearer's body 199.

It will be further understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that the exemplary configuration of exemplary pivoting connections 70/70′ using fabric tabs 51/51′ and 52/52′, both looped over a portion of metal D-rings 53/53′, is exemplary and non-limiting of the present invention. It will be yet further understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that pivoting connections 70 and 70′ could be provided using alternative components, whether now known, or in the future discovered.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, portions of the pivot belt would pass through or otherwise be connected to the front panels of the PFD; adjustable shoulder straps and adjustable side straps would allow the front panels to be positionally adjusted, and also, therefore, allow the portions of the pivot belt to pivotally adjust, to the location of the waist of the wearer.

FIG. 22 depicts a front perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment in which left and right waist belt portions, 60 and 50 respectively, of a pivot belt are pivotally connected to the back panel 2 of the personal floatation device substantially as described above and in which portions of the left and right waist belt portions, 60 and 50 respectively, of the pivot belt are connected to the front panels 3 and 4 of the personal floatation device. As depicted in FIG. 22, in the alternative exemplary embodiment, a portion of left waist belt portion 60 is connected to the bottom of left front floatation panel 4; a portion of right waist belt portion 50 is connected to the bottom of right front floatation panel 3; adjustment of adjustable right shoulder strap 6 and adjustable left shoulder strap 9 could be used to raise and lower the position of the right and left front floatation panels, 3 and 4 respectively, and therefore would raise and lower the position of left and right waist belt portions, 60 and 50 respectively, to position the waist belt at the waist of the wearer.

5. Sliced Foam Panels and Sliced Foam Panels in Differentially Cut Pre-Curved Fabric Housing

FIG. 9 depicts a front plan view of exemplary front left panel 4. It will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that description herein of exemplary front left panel 4 will apply equally (in mirror image) to exemplary front right panel 3 (depicted in FIG. 1A).

With reference to FIG. 9, exemplary front left panel 4 (as does exemplary front right panel 3 depicted in FIG. 1A), comprises fabric-encased buoyant material. Exemplary front left panel 4 (as does front right panel 3 depicted in FIG. 1A) comprises an upper chamber 151 and a lower chamber 150. In FIG. 9, line X-X depicts an exemplary border between upper chamber 151 and lower chamber 150 for front left panel 4. With respect to exemplary front left panel 4, the area below and to the left of line X-X comprises exemplary lower chamber 150; the area above and to the right of line X-X comprises exemplary upper chamber 151.

With reference to FIG. 10, exemplary upper chamber 151 encases an upper panel 100 of buoyant material. As depicted in FIG. 10, disposed in various places in upper panel 100 of buoyant material are a plurality of slits (sometimes referred to herein as “slices”) 101.

In the exemplary embodiment, slits 101 completely penetrate the entire thickness of upper panel 100 of buoyant material from the outer surface of upper panel 100 of buoyant material to the inner surface of upper panel 100 of buoyant material. The slits 101 in upper panel 100 of buoyant material form “ribs” 103 integral to upper panel 100 of buoyant material. Exemplary upper panel 100 of buoyant material is sliced in a pattern.

In FIG. 15, upper panel 100 of buoyant material is conformed over the bottom of a cereal bowl (not visible under upper panel 100 of buoyant material) to show the conformability of the slit upper panel 100 of buoyant material to underlying three-dimensional shapes. FIG. 16 shows that as exemplary upper panel 100 of buoyant material conforms to an underlying three-dimensional shape of the bottom of a cereal bowl, the “ribs” 103 physically translate away from each other.

Exemplary upper panel 100 of buoyant material shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 depicts a pattern of slicing (with slits 101) that provides side-to-side expansion in relation to the exemplary upper panel 100 of buoyant material. It will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art that other patterns of slicing buoyant material, such as upper panel 100 of buoyant material, are possible, including patterns of slicing that would provide vertical expansion.

Slitting the upper panel 100 of buoyant material in the exemplary pattern shown allows the buoyant material to expand and conform to a wearer's chest. Further, slitting the upper panel 100 of buoyant material in the exemplary pattern shown improves the fit and comfort of the vest, accommodating a wide variety of shapes and sizes of different wearers.

In the exemplary embodiment, sliced upper panel 100 of buoyant material is inserted and sealed between differentially cut outer and inner fabric layers. That is, similar to the manner described previously above with respect to inner panel 30 (referencing, for example FIG. 14), in various exemplary embodiments, the outer fabric layer 152 (shown in FIG. 9) comprises a surface area that is larger than the surface area of the inner fabric layer 153 (shown in FIG. 10). In the exemplary embodiment, the outer fabric layer 152 (shown in FIG. 9) is joined to the inner fabric layer 153 (shown in FIG. 10) with a shaped side piece 210 (shown in FIG. 9). In the exemplary embodiment, shaped side piece 210 comprises a stretch insert that further accommodates expansion and conformation of upper panel 100 of buoyant material in the area of the stretch insert shaped side piece 210.

In the exemplary embodiment, encasing the slit upper panel 100 of buoyant material in between the differentially cut inner and outer layers of fabric 153, 152 respectively, joined with insert shaped side piece 210, physically translates ribs 103 away from each other, thereby forming a three-dimensional curvature in upper left front for a comfortable and effective fit over the three-dimensional shape of a wearer's body.

As depicted in FIG. 11, the inner layer of fabric of the front panels 3 and 4 are formed using “princess” seams (curved seams) 200. Princess seams 200 accommodate expansion and conformation of upper panel 100 of buoyant material in the areas of the princess seams 200.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the slit upper panel 100 could be encased between an inner layer of fabric and an outer layer of fabric such that the slit upper panel 100 would be “relaxed”—that is, such that, at the time of assembly, the slit upper panel 100 would be substantially flat, not curved. In a relaxed position, the ribs 103 formed between the slits 101 would be substantially parallel to each other and would not be translated away from each other. In the alternative exemplary embodiment, the inner layer of fabric and the outer layer of fabric could be joined together at their respective peripheral edges, such as by sewing, loosely encasing the slit upper panel 100.

6. Upper Chamber and Lower Chamber Separated by a Baffle System

With reference to FIG. 10, in the exemplary embodiment, the lower chamber 150 contains a thicker layer (or layers) 102 of buoyant material than the buoyant material 100 that is encased in the upper chamber 151. The upper and lower chambers 151, 150 respectively, are separated by a baffle system (see FIGS. 18-20, elements 170 and 171) to allow the foam in each chamber to expand to full thickness at a junction point (depicted as line X-X through space 106 in FIG. 10) between the upper and lower chambers.

In the exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIG. 18, a first lower chamber layer 102 of buoyant material (sometimes referred to herein as the “back belly foam”) is placed in the lower chamber 150. Then, a baffle system, comprising a first baffle strap 170 and a second baffle strap 171, is placed over the first lower chamber layer 102 of buoyant material in the lower chamber 150. First baffle strap 170 is attached, such as by stitching, to the inner fabric layer 153 at a first point 172 below a first bottom portion 176 of the first lower chamber layer 102 of buoyant material in the lower chamber 150, and at a second point 174 above a first top portion 178 of the first lower chamber layer 102 of buoyant material in the lower chamber 150. Second baffle strap 171 is attached, such as by stitching, to the inner fabric layer 153 at a third point 173 below a second bottom portion 177 of the first lower chamber layer 102 of buoyant material in the lower chamber 150, and at a fourth point 175 above a second top portion 179 of the first lower chamber layer 102 of buoyant material in the lower chamber 150.

First distal end 181 of first baffle strap 170 is stitched (not shown) to a first inner portion of the inner surface (not shown) of outer fabric layer 152 (shown in FIG. 9). Second distal end 182 of second baffle strap 171 is stitched (not shown) to a first inner portion of the inner surface (not shown) of outer fabric layer 152 (shown in FIG. 9).

With reference to FIG. 19, in the exemplary embodiment, upper panel 100 of buoyant material is positioned in the upper chamber 151 above second point 174 and fourth point 175 of first and second baffle straps 170 and 171 respectively. Upper panel 100 of buoyant material is positioned in the upper chamber 151 beneath stitching of distal ends 181 and 182 of first and second baffle straps 170 and 171, respectively, to the inner surface (not shown) of outer fabric layer 152 (shown in FIG. 9).

With reference to FIG. 20, in the exemplary embodiment, a second lower chamber layer 180 of buoyant material (sometimes referred to herein as the front belly foam) is then placed over the assembly of the first and second baffle straps 170, 171 and first lower chamber layer 102 of buoyant material in the lower chamber 150.

In the exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIG. 19, the baffle system comprises first baffle strap 170, second baffle strap 171, and the various points of attachment of baffle straps 170, 171 to the inner fabric layer 153 (at points 172, 173, 174, and 175) and of distal ends 181 and 182 of baffle straps 170, 171 to the inner surface of outer fabric layer 152 (shown in FIG. 9).

In the exemplary embodiment, the various points of attachment of baffle straps 170, 171 to the inner fabric layer 153 (at points 172, 173, 174, and 175) and of distal ends 181 and 182 of baffle straps 170, 171 to the inner surface of outer fabric layer 152 (shown in FIG. 9) create tension between inner fabric layer 153 and outer fabric layer 152. The tension created between inner fabric layer 153 and outer fabric layer 152 by the baffle system flexes, or “springs” the upper panel 100 of buoyant material, thereby laterally translating the ribs 103 of upper panel 100 away from each other. The aforementioned lateral translation of the ribs away from each other results in a contouring of upper panel 100 of buoyant material for a contoured fit over a wearer's chest.

The baffle system separates the first lower chamber layer 102 of buoyant material from the second lower chamber layer 180 of buoyant material. The baffle system holds the first lower chamber layer 102 of buoyant material close to the inner fabric layer 153.

The baffle system supports the upper panel 100 of buoyant material in the upper chamber 151, keeping the upper panel 100 of buoyant material from sliding down into the lower chamber 150.

FIG. 21 depicts a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y depicted in FIG. 20 of detail C of FIG. 20 of an exemplary right front panel in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 depicts a point of attachment 183 of distal end 181 of first baffle strap 170 to outer fabric layer 152. FIG. 21 depicts support of upper panel 100 by first baffle strap 170 between the point of attachment 183 of distal end 181 of first baffle strap 170 to outer fabric layer 152 and the point of attachment 174 of first baffle strap 170 to inner fabric layer 153. FIG. 21 also depicts separation of first lower chamber layer 102 of buoyant material from second lower chamber layer 180 of buoyant material by first baffle strap 170.

7. Tapered, or “Skived” Edges of Buoyant Material

In the exemplary embodiment, some edges of the back and/or front panels of buoyant material are tapered, or “skived,” to soften the edges and provide a more comfortable fit. FIG. 17 is a side plan view of an exemplary panel of buoyant material with a tapered edge 107. Providing tapered, or “skived” edges facilitates a smooth fit of curved panels of buoyant material, such as when panels of buoyant material are encased between differentially cut fabric layers.

FACSIMILE REPRODUCTION OF COPYRIGHT MATERIAL

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection by the copyright owner, Patagonia, Inc. and its successors and assigns. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Although this invention has been described in certain specific embodiments, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Moreover, to those skilled in the various arts, the invention itself herein will suggest solutions to other tasks and adaptations for other applications. Thus, the embodiments of the invention described herein should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention to be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents rather than the foregoing description. 

1. A floatation panel for a personal floatation device, said floatation panel comprising: a first panel of fabric having a first surface area and a peripheral edge; a second panel of fabric having a second surface area and a peripheral edge; a panel of buoyant material, the panel of buoyant material comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, a peripheral edge, and a plurality of slits that pierce the panel of buoyant material from the outer surface to the inner surface, wherein the plurality of slits form a plurality of ribs between the slits; wherein the panel of buoyant material is loosely encased between the first panel of fabric and the second panel of fabric, wherein the first panel of fabric is disposed to cover the outer surface of the panel of buoyant material, and wherein the second panel of fabric is disposed to cover the inner surface.
 2. The floatation panel of claim 1, wherein each slit of the plurality of slits is substantially parallel to each other slit of the plurality of slits.
 3. The floatation panel of claim 1, wherein the panel of buoyant material is encased between the first panel of fabric and the second panel of fabric in a substantially relaxed state, such that the ribs formed between the slits are substantially flat.
 4. The floatation panel of claim 1, wherein each slit of the plurality of slits is substantially parallel to each other slit of the plurality of slits, and wherein the ribs are disposed to translate away from each other when the floatation panel is disposed over a curved object.
 5. The floatation panel of claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge of the first panel of fabric is attached to the peripheral edge of the second panel of fabric.
 6. The floatation panel of claim 5, wherein each slit of the plurality of slits is substantially parallel to each other slit of the plurality of slits, and wherein the peripheral edge of the panel of buoyant material is free of slits.
 7. The floatation panel of claim 6, wherein the ribs are disposed to translate away from each other when the panel of buoyant material is disposed over a curved object.
 8. The floatation panel of claim 1, wherein the floatation panel comprises a front floatation panel selected from the group consisting of: a right front floatation panel of a personal floatation device, and a left front floatation panel of the personal floatation device.
 9. A back floatation panel for a personal floatation device, said back floatation panel comprising: a back inner floatation panel in a first plane, the back inner floatation panel comprising a top, a bottom, a left side and a right side, the back inner floatation panel further comprising a back inner buoyancy panel encased in a back inner floatation panel fabric cover; a back outer floatation panel in a second plane parallel to the first plane, the back outer floatation panel comprising a top, a bottom, a left side and a right side, the back outer floatation panel further comprising a back outer buoyancy panel encased in a back outer floatation panel fabric cover; a first connection between at least a portion of the top of the back inner floatation panel and at least a portion of the top of the back outer floatation panel; a second connection between at least a portion of the bottom of the back inner floatation panel and at least a portion of the bottom of the back outer floatation panel; and a third connection between at least a portion of a first side of the back inner floatation panel and at least a portion of a first side of the back outer floatation panel, wherein the first side of the back inner floatation panel is selected from a group consisting of the left side of the back inner floatation panel and the right side of the back inner floatation panel.
 10. The back floatation panel for a personal floatation device of claim 9, said back floatation panel further comprising: a fourth connection between at least a portion of a second side of the back inner floatation panel and at least a portion of a second side of the back outer floatation panel; wherein the second side of the back inner floatation panel is selected from a group consisting of the left side of the back inner floatation panel and the right side of the back inner floatation panel.
 11. A floatation panel for a personal floatation device, said floatation panel comprising: a panel of buoyant material, the panel of buoyant material comprising an outer surface, an inner surface and a peripheral edge; a first panel of fabric having a first surface area and a peripheral edge; a second panel of fabric having a second surface area and a peripheral edge, wherein the second surface area is smaller than the first surface area; a piece of fabric; wherein the first panel is disposed to cover the outer surface of the panel of buoyant material, wherein the second panel is disposed to cover the inner surface, wherein the piece of fabric is disposed to cover the peripheral edge of the panel of buoyant material, wherein the piece of fabric connects the peripheral edge of the first panel to the peripheral edge of the second panel, and wherein the piece of fabric connecting the peripheral edge of the first panel to the peripheral edge of the second panel bows the buoyant material.
 12. The floatation panel for a personal floatation device of claim 11, wherein the panel of buoyant material further comprises at least one slice that pierces the panel of buoyant material from the outer surface to the inner surface.
 13. The floatation panel for a personal floatation device of claim 11, wherein the peripheral edge of the panel of buoyant material is tapered.
 14. A floatation panel for a personal floatation device, said floatation panel comprising: an upper buoyancy panel comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, and a peripheral edge; a lower buoyancy panel comprising an outer surface, an inner surface and a peripheral edge; a fabric shell encasing the upper buoyancy panel and the lower buoyancy panel, wherein the fabric shell comprises an outer fabric panel and an inner fabric panel, wherein the outer fabric panel comprise a first surface area, wherein the inner fabric panel comprises a second surface area, and wherein the first surface area of the outer fabric panel is larger than the second surface area of the inner fabric panel; and a baffle system disposed between the upper buoyancy panel and the lower buoyancy panel.
 15. The floatation panel of claim 14, wherein the baffle system comprises at least one strap, wherein the at least one strap comprises a first end, a middle portion, a connection portion, and a second end, wherein the first end of the at least one strap is connected to a baffle-supporting fabric panel selected from a group consisting of: the outer fabric panel and the inner fabric panel.
 16. The floatation panel of claim 15, wherein the middle portion of the strap is disposed across a strapped buoyancy panel selected from a group consisting of: the upper buoyancy panel and the lower buoyancy panel.
 17. The floatation panel of claim 16, wherein the connection portion of the at least one strap is connected to the baffle-supporting fabric panel, and wherein the second end of the at least one strap is connected to the other fabric panel.
 18. The floatation panel for a personal floatation device of claim 14, wherein the upper buoyancy panel comprises at least one slice that pierces the buoyancy panel from the outer surface to the inner surface.
 19. A personal floatation device, said personal floatation device comprising: a back floatation panel comprising a right side and a left side; a right pivot connection attached to the right side of the back floatation panel; a left pivot connection attached to the left side of the back floatation panel; a right pivot belt portion attached to the right pivot connection, the right pivot belt portion comprising a right buckle device; and a left pivot belt portion attached to the left pivot connection, the left pivot belt portion comprising a left buckle device.
 20. A personal floatation device, said personal floatation device comprising: a front left floatation panel; a front right floatation panel; a back floatation panel; and a belt pivotally connected to the back floatation panel. 